Boys & Girls Entering Grades 9-12 | July 28-August 4, 2018

The Adirondack Adventure is the classic Susque Wilderness Trip experience. Campers will head to the deep, warm, clean waters of the Saranac Lakes at the top of New York for a week of adventure they'll likely never forget! The week-long trip is led by experienced Susque staff members trained specifically in leading Wilderness Trips.

Campers will wake up in forests of pine and birch, listening to the lap of waves on the rocky shore. A day of traversing the lakes and playing wild and crazy canoe games makes mealtimes especially satisfying. Stunning sunsets over the lakes and islands prepare the perfect backdrop for thoughtful Chapels and group discussions. And campers will be soothed to sleep again while hearing loons call across the starlit waters.

The atmosphere of the lakes is one that encourages campers to slow down, enjoy the simple peace and beauty of creation, and savor every moment. To take advantage of the soul-stimulating surroundings, the Trip also contains intentional quiet times sitting around the fire, enjoying meals, and discussing life and God in Chapel. A peak event of the trip occurs mid-way through with the vigorous ascent up Mount Ampersand! From the top, campers can view all three of the lakes they will traverse as well as far into the endless mountains of the Adirondacks. Since responsibility and taking initiative are key themes on our Wilderness Trips, campers will shoulder the bulk of the daily chores, meal preparation, setting up and tearing down camp, as well as leading Chapels and developing discussion questions.

The Adirondack Adventure will challenge campers to take a hard look at their lives and prioritize them so they can go forth and make a difference in the world for Christ.

Adirondack Adventure Highlights:

Canoeing through Upper, Middle, & Lower Saranac Lakes

Camp on islands rich in pine and birch

Amazing sunsets

Hike Mount Ampersand

Paddle though a canal-and-lock system

If this is the first time you are sending a camper to camp or you have any questions, please read our FAQ for Wilderness Trips and don't hesitate to give us a call (570-998-2151) or email us a question (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). We look forward to working with you to make sure the trip experience is safe, fun, and successful!

Projected Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Susque. Participate in teambuilding games, do a shake-down, eat dinner, pack the vehicles, and go to bed early.

Day 2

Early wake-up and drive to the Saranac Lakes! Stop at church in Pulaski, NY, according to tradition. Set up camp at at tranquil, waterside location and cook Susque Stew! Learn the basics of water filtering and using camp stoves.

Day 3

Pack up and leave after breakfast. Meet the canoe outfitter and canoe to the next campsite on Upper Saranac Lake. After lunch, learn basic and advanced canoeing techniques. Make a tasty dinner and settle in for the first evening on the lake.

Day 4

Canoe to the bottom of Upper Saranac and stop for a snack at Barlett Carry. Unload and portage canoes and gear to Middle Saranac. Load up and canoe to the next site. After lunch, head back onto the lakes for some crazy games in and using the canoes. After dinner, do a round of Hotseat and Chapel.

Day 5

Eat a hearty breakfast and then jump into the empty canoes and head over to Mt Ampersand's trailhead. Set out to summit one of the highest mountains in the area and prepare for breathtaking views! Explore the mountain top and eat lunch before traveling back down. Canoe back to the campsite, bathe in the lake, and begin the evening routine.

Day 6

Load up the canoes and head toward Lower Saranac. Travel the canal system and operate the lock to get through to the lower lake! Canoe through endless islands and end up at your final site for the week. Eat lunch and then head back onto the lake for one of the best games of all. Afterwards, cook and eat a family-style dinner and do one last Chapel in the Adirondack Mountains.

Day 7

Wake up and drive back to Camp Susque. Arrive back in the mid-afternoon. Clean up and prepare for one final Chapel together as a Wilderness Trip team.

Day 8

Attend the Closing Chapel and depart from Susque for a good rest well earned.

Sample Daily Schedule

7:00

Wake-up/Quiet Time

7:30

Pack-up the campsite

8:00

Breakfast

8:30

Canoe

12:00

Arrive at next campsite

12:30

Set up campsite

1:00

Lunch

2:00

Canoe games

5:30

Dinner

7:00

Chapel

8:00

Hotseat

10:00

Bedtime

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11